Nitrazepam
A benzodiazepine derivative used as an anticonvulsant and hypnotic. Used to treat short-term sleeping problems (insomnia), such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and early-morning awakening.
Mechanism of effect
Nitrazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It acts on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain which are associated with the GABA receptors causing an enhanced binding of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) to GABAA receptors
Pharmacodynamic
Nitrazepam is a type of benzodiazepine drug. It is a powerful hypnotic drug which possesses strong sedative, anxiolytic, amnestic, anticonvulsant, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability is 53-94% following oral administration. Half life:15-38 hours (mean elimination half life 26 hours).
Dosage
The recommended adult dose of nitrazepam when taken for insomnia is 5 mg to 10 mg taken at bedtime. When taken for treatment of myoclonic seizures, the dose is based primarily on body weight. The dose for children (up to 30 kg of body weight) ranges from 0.3 mg per kilogram of body weight to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight daily in 3 divided doses. Your doctor will calculate an appropriate dose.
Drug contraindications
hypersensitivity to drug or its components.Side effects
Tachycardia , dizziness , fatigue , Blurred vision , Depression , asthenia , hypotension , palpitations , confusion , somnolence , decreased libidoInteractions
Tetracosactid , Zolpidem , Nervoxin , Neurogol , Aripiprazole , Alprazolam , Aprepitant , Diazepam , Cimetidine , Fluconazole , Phenobarbital , Gabapentin , Voriconazole , Ketoconazole , Azelastine , Sedamin , Clozapine , Yohimbine , Tranquival , valirest , Valerian , Cabazitaxel , cosyntropin , EthchlorvynolAlerts
1-This medication may cause mood and psychiatric changes, including aggressiveness, confusion, anxiety, restlessness and memory lapses. Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any unusual changes in your behaviour. 2- Nitrazepam may cause increased breathing difficulty for people having an acute asthma attack, or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema) or other conditions that affect breathing 3-Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as nitrazepam. 4- Avoid activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination such as driving or operating machinery until you have determined how this medication affects you 5-If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. 6-People with reduced liver function or liver disease may experience a stronger effect from the medication than would normally occur.
Points of recommendation
Avoid alcohol. Avoid excessive quantities of coffee or tea (Caffeine). Take with food.
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